Extending the online focus group method using web-based conferencing to explore older adults online learning

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis exploratory research documents the use of the web conference technology WebEx™ to expand the variety of focus group data collection methods. Drawn from four synchronous online focus groups with older adults from across Canada, who create and use online personal learning networks to enhance and support their informal self-directed learning processes, these reflections are elaborated to include lessons learned regarding recruitment, group moderation, data triangulation, and the implementation of web-based conferencing. Recommendations for research practice include consideration of research populations, geographical location, research topics, web conference systems, moderation processes, and researcher biases. This application of the WebEx™ platform to conduct synchronous online focus groups demonstrates the validity of integrating online communication tools into the research context, thus bridging the gap between the traditional face-to-face and online focus group methods and heeding the call to researchers to continue to share their experiences of novel approaches to conducting educational research.